Messy hands mean busy minds. Here are easy messy play ideas for toddlers and preschoolers, plus a trick that makes cleanup less of a battle.
Paint on the elbows. Mud on the knees. Play-dough in places you didn’t know it could go. Messy days can wear a grown-up out. But when children squish, pour and smear, they’re busy finding out how the world feels and works.
What it means for your child
Every age explores in its own way. Here are a few ideas.
- Babies: Your baby explores with hands and mouth. Let them squish a banana or splash in the bath, with you right there watching.
- Toddlers: Dumping, filling and pouring are the favorite games. A shallow tub of water with cups, spoons and a funnel can keep them busy, with you close by.
- Preschoolers: They can finger paint, build with mud and mix colors. Ask what they’re making and what might happen if they add more.
- School-age kids: Older kids like bigger projects, like baking, a simple kitchen science experiment or building a fort in the yard.
Try this tonight
Set up one small messy night at home. It’s easier than it sounds.
- Choose an old shirt and call it the “messy shirt.” Keep it with the art things.
- Lay a towel or old sheet on the floor or table, and set out play-dough, paint or a tub of water.
- When time is up, make cleanup part of the fun: wipe, rinse and hang up the messy shirt together.
Words you can use
- “Tell me about what you made.”
- “How does it feel? Squishy? Cold? Sticky?”
- “It’s okay to get messy. We’ll clean up together.”
At Nana’s Place
Every child needs room to explore, and a little mess is part of being little. Nana’s Place offers day, evening and overnight care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old at two buildings in Glendale. If you’re looking for childcare nearby, book a tour and see our space for yourself.
Questions parents ask
Is messy play good for toddlers?
Messy play lets toddlers use their hands, try new things and make their own choices. It doesn’t have to be big. A few minutes with play-dough or water counts.
How do I keep messy play from taking over the house?
Pick one spot, like the kitchen floor or the patio. Put down a towel, set a timer and keep a wet cloth close by. And remember, spills are just practice.
Cleanup goes faster with a song, too. Nana has a trick for that in The best lessons are taught with a smile.
